GV20 Dog Acupuncture Point (Vertex of the Skull)
GV20 is a canine transpositional point on the Governing Vessel. Location: On the dorsal midline of the head where it intersects with a line between the rostral edges of the bases of the ears, slightly caudal to the highest point on the head. Its traditional indications in this chart include rectal and uterine prolapse, incontinence, polydipsia. In dogs it is not the same point as veterinary Bai Hui, which is at the lumbosacral junction.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Do not confuse with Bai Hui. In veterinary acupuncture, Bai Hui refers to the lumbosacral point between the last lumbar and first sacral vertebrae. See Bai Hui (lumbosacral).
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- GV20
- Pinyin
- Bai Hui
- Chinese name
- 百会
- Meridian
- Governing Vessel
- Element or system
- Sea of Yang meridians
- Point category and notes
- Canine transpositional GV point; do not confuse with the separate veterinary classical Bai Hui at the lumbosacral junction.
Where is GV20 Bai Hui on a dog?
On the dorsal midline of the head where it intersects with a line between the rostral edges of the bases of the ears, slightly caudal to the highest point on the head.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Want GV20 Bai Hui on a chart you can keep? Our downloadable dog acupuncture chart and cards are an instant download you can print or edit for study notes and clinic handouts.
Traditional indications
- Rectal and uterine prolapse
- incontinence
- polydipsia
- convulsions
- ear and eye problems
- stimulating immunity
- calming
- strokes
- epilepsy
- circulatory disorders in the brain
- tetanus
- allergic shock
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in dogs.
Dog conditions that mention GV20 Bai Hui
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside GV20 Bai Hui
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
See these points together on a printable dog meridian chart with English and Chinese names, available as a digital download from PetAcu.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point, the size of the dog and its condition. Note from the source chart: Canine transpositional GV point; do not confuse with the separate veterinary classical Bai Hui at the lumbosacral junction.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about GV20 Bai Hui
Where is GV20 Bai Hui on a dog?
On the dorsal midline of the head where it intersects with a line between the rostral edges of the bases of the ears, slightly caudal to the highest point on the head. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is GV20 Bai Hui used for in veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists rectal and uterine prolapse, incontinence, polydipsia, convulsions, ear and eye problems, stimulating immunity, calming, strokes and others as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use GV20 Bai Hui at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Is there a printable or downloadable dog acupuncture point chart?
Yes. PetAcu offers a printable dog acupuncture point chart and illustrated point cards as an instant digital download, with English and Chinese names, so points such as GV20 Bai Hui are easy to find again. Editable files are available for study notes and clinic handouts. See the printable dog acupuncture point cards or browse PetAcu digital products. A chart is a learning and reference aid, not a treatment plan.
Learn more and next steps
Printable dog acupuncture point cards
Illustrated cards showing common dog points, with English and Chinese names and Five Element colour coding. Instant download on Gumroad.
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Original PetAcu charts and reference materials for students, veterinary professionals and curious owners, with more species and clinic materials in preparation.
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Other Governing Vessel points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats: A Pocket Atlas (Eul-Matern, Thieme, 2nd edition, 2022). Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas. Looking for a downloadable version? Get the dog acupuncture chart and point cards or other PetAcu digital charts.